2007-08 Contest Theme Conflict and Compromise in History During the 2007-2008 school year, National History Day invites students to research topics related to the theme Conflict and Compromise in History. As is the case each year, the theme is broad enough to encourage investigation of topics ranging from local history to world history, and from ancient time to the recent past. To understand the historical importance of their topics students need to ask questions about time, place and context; cause and effect; change over time; and impact and significance. Students must consider not only when and where events happened, but also why they occurred and what factors contributed to their development. Description of the topic must also include an analysis of information and conclusions about how the topic influenced and was influenced by people, ideas or events. Click here to read more about the 2007-08 NHD Contest Theme. Click here to see a list of Sample Topics for the 2007-08 Contest Theme.   The Date of the State Competition is Saturday, April 5. The snow date is Sunday, April 6. This web page will announce if the competition must be postponed to the Snow Date. Click on the State Competition for more information.   What Is History Day? National History Day is not just a day, but every day! The National History Day program is a year-long education program that culminates in a national contest every June. For more than twenty-five years the National History Day program has promoted systemic educational reform related to the teaching and learning of history in America's schools. The combination of creativity and scholarship built into the NHD program anticipated current educational reforms, making National History Day a leading model of performance-based learning. NHD is a year-long education program that engages students in grades 6-12 in the process of discovery and interpretation of historical topics. Students produce dramatic performances, imaginative exhibits, multimedia documentaries and research papers based on research related to an annual theme. These projects are then evaluated at local, state, and national competitions.   Why Participate? Many different people participate in the NHD program: Students Teachers Colleges and Universities Libraries, Museums, and Archives Community Businesses The NHD program serves as a vehicle to teach students important literacy skills and to engage them in the use and understanding of museum and library resources. The program inspires students to study local history, and then challenges them to expand their thinking and apply knowledge of local events to the national, or even worldwide scene. The program also teaches students to become technologically literate through the use of computer and Internet research methods, and the use of technologically advanced applications in their presentations. "The true benefits from participating in National History Day go way past a certificate or medal. The program teaches kids the writing, analytical understanding, and reading comprehension skills that will make them a success in life, no matter what their career," states parent Susan Moose.